On Mandela Day 2018 I signed an Offer to Purchase 37 Park Street, Clarens.
What made me fall in love with the property was the stunning views of Horeb, the north facing windows (we all know how much we need the warmth in winter) and the level floors & roofline. (Most houses in Clarens are made up of "add-ons" which inevitably end up with three little stairs leading up one level, and another 4 stairs leading down another to compensate for sloppy stands.)
In March 2019 we found a builder that shared our view of renovating this property. Jan Albert van Niekerk has walked 1000 extra miles to turn this house into a home and we couldn't do this without him. Thanks Jan!
In 2005 I worked for Engel & Volkers in Clarens & passed my estate agency board exams in Johannesburg. I realized that there are such wonderful properties for sale in Clarens, but hardly any furnishings to enable new owners to furnish their homes.
Clarens Interiors is a result of bringing products to the market to enable home owners to equip their properties, and the hospitality industry to keep their decor in the best possible nick for their guests.
Park Street 37 is a combination of all my experiences in Clarens. Not only as a decor retailer, but also as a guest house owner.
With a separate studio or workshop, this property was named “Atelier” meaning
I wanted to design & create a property with special detail, not only from a practical lay out with great proportions, but also from a design point of view. All the products in this property were hand picked to give you joy. From gorgeous bespoke door handles to light fittings & colour schemes, Atelier was crafted to make you fall in love with the beauty & design of every item!
During this renovation, I paid special attention to all the little things that makes living in a home comfortable. Plugs in a guest house can be awkwardly located and at times missing the elusive two point plug, so these are all above bedside level with build in USB's. There are wet plugs in every bathroom, and each bedroom are large enough to accommodate a king size or two single beds. So no matter what the configuration of your guests, you will be able to accommodate them in comfort.
All bedrooms are en-suite, with the main bedroom compromising of a shower & bath, the second bedroom a bath only, and the third bedroom a huge walk in open shower with views of Horeb from the shower!
Outside we continued practical living with work tops, electrical outlets & warm & cold water taps.
All electrical & plumbing work were done from scratch with plumbing in place for all electrical appliances in the kitchen. The roof was renovated to ensure that there are no possible leaks. All insulation & ceilings are new where we exposed the original roof trusses.
What started as a quick fix lead us down the inevitable path of replacing almost everything, as the old didn't look so good next the new. And how can we give this house the best chance to last a lifetime if we skimped?
With the help of a TLB (I want one for Christmas!) we leveled uneven terraces at the back of the property & managed to add some levels to the front.
As this property might be used as a part time dwelling, a low maintenance garden is key. The old garden consisted of veld gras & very little lawn. All existing grass & plants were removed. Kikuyu lawn was laid out on newly created levels with special attention to rain water drainage. The lawn was planted March 2019.
This fully newly renovated north facing 3 bedroom property offers magnificent uninterrupted views of Mount Horeb. To enable the most comfortable stay, all rooms are en-suite.
Open living areas & a separate home office work space includes a brand new kitchen, open dining room with wood burning fireplace, lounge & indoor braai area with 6m sliding doors that opens up onto a patio with mountain views.
A separate studio can be utilized for your specific needs. Ideal for a workroom, office, yoga studio, storage or additional self catering flatlet.
All decor & furnishings can be brought as is. With 14 years experience in the luxury tourist rental market in Clarens, we have accommodated all your guests needs.
The most important question in tourist rentals for me is - where does your guest spend the largest amount of time? In bed!
Don't ever compromise on the quality, comfort and support that your beds offer. Our beds are 4 star graded and can accommodate up to 120kg per person.
Don't comprise on your basic linen - from mattress protectors that can be washed, pillows & pillow protectors to duvet inners. These are all items that will keep your guest comfortable and wanting to book your establishment again!
Word of mouth is also the best possible reference and will enable your business to grow fast.
And if all your basic bed & linen goodies are made up of the best, it will ensure the best possible night's rest for you to!
The property is available unfurnished at R2,650,000 or furnished as a functional holiday home at R2,995,000, including electrical appliances.
Open show houses every Saturday during July & August from 10:00 to 14:00. For more information, contact me on 082 069 3635.
Any project like this cannot happen without the help of incredible people.
Although there are too many too mention, a special word of thanks to:
My darling husband & daughter who had to endure endless hours of ideas & planning & who always supported me, even when there were very little time left in my day for them. Family & friends who suffered on the same level!
My father, Frans, who handcrafted my french shutters & front door frame.
Anneme van Coller for sourcing the perfect items with me!
My team @ Clarens Interiors who were part of the redesign & implementation of this project from start to finish.
Sakkie for his designer lighting in the bathroom
Willie & Francis Uys for new kikuyu
Carlo de Mezza for filling
My estate agent:
Marlene Dannhauser van Heerden @ Willows Property Group 082 859 7915
My conveyance attorney:
Japie de Clerck @ JC de Clerck 082 780 3680
My bond originator:
Lonette Crafford @ Mortagage Max 082 457 7341
My architect & builder:
Jan Albert Van Niekerk 083 944 9938 and his amazing team!
Electrician:
Gregg Mill @ Mill Electrical & Solar Solutions 073 428 2478
Roof specialist:
Johan Keyser @ JKey Roofing 076 109 8007
Building supplies:
Mariette @ Hardware Mecca 0583036188
Aluminium windows & doors:
Johan Lategan @ Aluguys 072 975 2768
Handcrafted cupboards:
Khulu Maseko @ KI Maseko 064 509 2330
Buildt in cupboards & storage:
Pieter @ Boardman 058 303 8751
Sewing & hemming of curtains &
manufacturing of roman blinds:
Hannetjie Payne 082 040 0110
Ballustrades, gates & other metalwork:
Johannes Mokoena @ MJM Arc Welding 063 155 9219
All furniture & fittings:
Clarens Interiors
Landscaping & planting of new lawn:
Frans 082 090 0597
Fertilizer & “special dupas” to manifest new lawn:
Cois Fourie @ CF Landboudienste
083 419 5757
Bethlehem Sand & Klip 058 303 8419
CTM Bethlehem 058 303 0066
Gelmar Bethlehem 058 303 8751
Timber Express 058 303 8146
LTH Painting - seamless gutters - 061 545 9819
Build It 058 050 0484
I thoroughly enjoyed this project & this journey. Thanks again to every person part of this fabulous renovation. This property is ready for some happy days!
I cannot wait to meet the new owners. I truly hope that every little detail will bring you & your guests joy for years to come!
Anel.
